Leaders of the 28-member EU Tuesday expressed concern about the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine.

“We condemn the killing of civilians during the indiscriminate shelling of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol on 24 January 2015. We note evidence of continued and growing support given to the separatists by Russia, which underlines Russia’s responsibility. We urge Russia to condemn the separatists’ actions and to implement the Minsk agreements” they said in a joint statement released here today.

“In view of the worsening situation we ask the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council to assess the situation and to consider any appropriate action, in particular on further restrictive measures, aiming at a swift and comprehensive implementation of Minsk agreements,” added the statement.

EU foreign ministers are to hold an extraordinary meeting on Ukraine on Thursday in Brussels.